Local Geometric Geoid Models Parameters and Accuracy Determination Using Least Squares Technique

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www.ijird.com

July, 2018

Vol 7 Issue 7

ISSN 2278 – 0211 (Online)

Local Geometric Geoid Models Parameters and Accuracy Determination Using Least Squares Technique Eteje Sylvester Okiemute Ph. D. Candidate, Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria Oduyebo Fatai Olujimi Ph. D. Candidate, Department of Surveying and Geoinformatics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria Abstract: The absence of national local geoid model in some countries has led to the determination of local geoid model in various parts of those countries. Local geoid models are determined using the geometric and gravimetric methods amongst others. Using the geometric method requires fitting an interpolation surface to points of known geoidal undulations which requires the determination of the geometric geoid model parameters and its accuracy using least squares technique. Because of the rigorous as well as the matrix nature of the technique, researcher have been experiencing difficulty in its application for the determination of geometric geoid models’ parameters and their accuracy. This paper presents a detailed procedure for the determination of geometric geoid models’ parameters as well as their accuracy using least squares technique. The steps to be considered when applying the technique are enumerated in sequential order. The enumerated steps were also demonstrated with a numerical example. Keywords: Geometric geoid, model parameters, accuracy, least squares

1. Introduction Least squares are a statistical method used to determine a line of best fit by minimizing the sum of squares created by a mathematical function. It is a popular method for determining regression equations. Instead of trying to solve an equation exactly, least squares method is used to determine a close approximation which is known as the estimate. Modelling methods that are often used when fitting a function to a curve include the straight-line method, polynomial method, logarithmic method and Gaussian method. The Least-Squares criterion is an imposed condition for obtaining a unique solution for an incompatible system of linear equations. The term adjustment, in a statistical sense, is a method of deriving estimates for random variables from their observed values. The application of the least-squares criterion in the adjustment problem is called the LeastSquares Adjustment method (Mohammad-Karim, 1981). The method of least squares is a rigorous technique that can be applied to the adjustment of horizontal geodetic network to yield the most likely values of the survey measurements. In geodesy, it is desirable or necessary to fit a plane or curve surface to a set of points with known coordinates or heights. In solving this type of problem, it is first necessary to decide on the appropriate functional model for the data as stated by Ghilani (2010). The decision as to whether to use a plane or curve surface depends on the size of the application area. To determine the best fit surface, two or more surfaces have to be applied and the one with smaller residuals after least squares solution with the surfaces selected. Geometric geoid models are surfaces that are fitted to the geoidal undulations of an area to enable geoid heights of new points within the area to be interpolated. These surfaces are plane as well as curve surfaces depends on the degree. The curve surfaces are ether quadratic or polynomial in nature. The plane surfaces are usually applied in small areas while the curve surfaces are applied in relatively large areas. The larger the area the higher the order as well as the degree of the polynomial model/surface. To apply any of these models in a particular area, the model parameters as well as its accuracy have to be determined using least squares technique. Obtaining the accuracy of the model enables the reliability of the model to be determined. Various researchers have been experiencing difficulty in the application of least squares adjustment technique for determination of geometric geoid models’ parameters and their accuracy. The difficulty in its application resulted from its matrix nature. The computation of these parameters cannot be handled by Least squares adjustment software as the model terms are not obtained directly from measurement, that is, they are not bearings, azimuth, angles, distances, change in INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

DOI No. : 10.24940/ijird/2018/v7/i7/JUL18098

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